MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio—Hillcrest Hospital's volunteer
auxiliary group recently hosted their annual Teddy Bear Clinic, helping young
children become more familiarized with the hospital environment.

Held April 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the event
featured five stations and multiple presentations designed to reduce the
likelihood that the youths would experience overwhelming fear and anxiety
during possible medical emergencies.

First and second grade students from Center Elementary School
in Mayfield Village came to the hospital with their favorite teddy bear or
stuffed animal in hand, and after they put on the proper attire of scrubs and
masks, they began taking an educational journey throughout the hospital.

First, students got a chance to feel like stars in their scrubs
by having their photo taken by a professional photographer. Afterward, they picked
up a "passport" and accumulated stamps at each station they visited.

Hospital staff led them on a guided tour of an operating
room and the pediatric emergency department, discussing how medical equipment
works, what different devices are used for and what to expect when coming to
the hospital. In addition to listening to presentations, children had the opportunity
to engage in hands-on activities, such as wrapping their stuffed animals with
bandages.

From pediatric nurses to surgical and emergency room nursing
managers, members of the hospital's staff teamed together to make the event
possible. They also had help from volunteer Mayfield High School students and
Center Elementary School teachers.

Three classes came to the morning seminar, which consisted
of first grade students. Meanwhile, second graders stopped by for the second
session.

In the pediatric emergency room, students were greeted by a
large stuffed bear and RN Karen Steigerwald, who helped her furry friend get
back to restored health.

She demonstrated use of an oxygen sensor, in addition to
showing students an oxygen mask. Students raised their hands to feel the gentle
breeze of the mask, discovering it is a harmless, yet helpful device.

While there is no denying that a trip to the hospital can be
daunting, children learned there are various mechanisms the hospital uses to
ease patients' anxiety, including therapy dogs and magicians. Students gathered
in a circle to watch a performance by professional magician Dan Gawry, who
volunteers at Hillcrest Hospital on a regular basis. They also met a therapy
dog named Sunny, who works with youths and adults.

Other things they learned included reasons why people become
dehydrated, how to engage in proper hand washing, and how hospitals intervene
with IV fluids in the event that a child becomes severely ill—among many other
topics.

The Hillcrest Hospital Auxiliary began the Teddy Bear Clinic
about 25 years ago, and each year, it continues to grow.

"The whole idea is for kids to come in and get
comfortable coming to a hospital, and to not always think that a hospital is a
bad place to be," said RN Marybeth Mack, the hospital's Community Outreach
Coordinator. "We like to bring them in when it's not a traumatic time so
they are better prepared in the event that a trip to the hospital becomes
necessary."

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